The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has honoured renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff, Nigeria's Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, for their contributions to cinema, culture and heritage.

The 10-day festival, held from October 1 to 10, 2026, featured film screenings, industry engagements and cultural exchanges across Berlin, Hannover, Bremen and Hamburg, Germany.

The event brought together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and industry stakeholders from both countries to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for collaboration between the Nigerian and German film industries.

Schlöndorff, Musawa honoured at Berlin opening

At the opening ceremony on October 1 at the Arsenal Film Institut in Berlin, Schlöndorff received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to international cinema. The filmmaker, whose career spans several decades, has also made documentaries across Africa, including Nigeria.

Musawa received a Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the development and promotion of Nigeria's creative industry. The award was received on her behalf by the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini.

The opening ceremony featured the screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli.

It also featured a fireside chat between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu, and Husseini on the growth of Nigeria's film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.

Nigeria's Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and the Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, were among the dignitaries at the event.

Gani Adams, filmmakers recognised in Hannover

In Hannover, where the festival continued, Chief Gani Adams received a Special Recognition Award for his contributions to the promotion and preservation of African culture and heritage.

The Hannover programme, hosted by SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the festival, also featured screenings of Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima, and Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia.

Amanyanabo: The Eagle King was directed by Fred Amata and Ibinabo Fiberesima, according to the supplied report.

Adia received an award in recognition of her creativity and artistic achievement in directing Evi, while Fiberesima was honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Festival showcases Nigerian films in Bremen and Hamburg

The festival extended to Bremen and Hamburg, where Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities.

On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, was also screened in Bremen.

The Germany-Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of the Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF), Nigeria, and Michael Davies of SONNENKINDFILM e.V., Germany.

The organisers said the initiative was established to create a sustainable platform for filmmakers from both countries to develop partnerships, exchange ideas, explore co-production and international distribution opportunities, and promote Nigerian cinema to wider European audiences.

The inaugural edition received institutional and logistical support from the Office of the Mayor of the City of Hannover, Arsenal Film Institut Berlin, KoKi Cinema Hannover, City 46 Cinema Bremen and Metropolis Kino Hamburg.

The Nigerian Film Corporation and the NFVCB also supported the initiative.

The organisers said the second edition of the festival had been scheduled for October 4 to 9, 2027, with plans to expand its programming, industry participation and international partnerships.